Published: Monday, May 13, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 5:32 p.m.

Park Ridge Health is taking a step forward in technology in an effort to make health care information more accessible for patients.

A new smart phone app has been developed for both iPhones and Droid operating systems called myPRH. The app is a convenience that Park Ridge hopes its customers will find beneficial.

The app will include a physicians' directory, up-to-date emergency room wait times, health tips and a “call us” button, which links customers to the onsite call center at Park Ridge.

“It's customizable to the person using it,” said Jennifer Robert, eStrategies manager at Park Ridge.

The app, developed by Asheville-based Top Floor Studio, allows the client to search more than 120 physicians by name or specialty. Once the doctor has been located, a direct call can be made to the doctor's offices.

The app, which Park Ridge has been working on since last fall, can be purchased in the app store of whatever phone operating system you use. The app is always up-to-date on its information, Roberts said.

When new providers are added or changes have been made, the phone user will receive an alert. Customers can bookmark providers for easy access as well. The app can be shared through text, Facebook or Twitter.

It's designed with easy navigation from each tool within, Roberts said. It's the first app of its kind in the area, she added.

“We thought it would be a great sister addition to myPRH.com, so you can get it on the go,” she said. “It gives customers easy access to complete info about all our providers. They're one touch away from making a phone call to those providers.”

<p>Park Ridge Health is taking a step forward in technology in an effort to make health care information more accessible for patients.</p><p>A new smart phone app has been developed for both iPhones and Droid operating systems called myPRH. The app is a convenience that Park Ridge hopes its customers will find beneficial. </p><p>The app will include a physicians' directory, up-to-date emergency room wait times, health tips and a “call us” button, which links customers to the onsite call center at Park Ridge.</p><p>“It's customizable to the person using it,” said Jennifer Robert, eStrategies manager at Park Ridge.</p><p>The app, developed by Asheville-based Top Floor Studio, allows the client to search more than 120 physicians by name or specialty. Once the doctor has been located, a direct call can be made to the doctor's offices. </p><p>“It's pretty intuitive for an app,” Online Communication Manager Lance Mericle said. </p><p>The app, which Park Ridge has been working on since last fall, can be purchased in the app store of whatever phone operating system you use. The app is always up-to-date on its information, Roberts said.</p><p>When new providers are added or changes have been made, the phone user will receive an alert. Customers can bookmark providers for easy access as well. The app can be shared through text, Facebook or Twitter.</p><p>It's designed with easy navigation from each tool within, Roberts said. It's the first app of its kind in the area, she added.</p><p>“We thought it would be a great sister addition to myPRH.com, so you can get it on the go,” she said. “It gives customers easy access to complete info about all our providers. They're one touch away from making a phone call to those providers.”</p><p>Reach Millwood at 828-694-7881 or at joey.millwood@blueridgenow.com.</p>